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Fulacht fia in Ballinloughaun

Fulacht fia

What is recorded here

No coniferous trees, no written charter and no distant empire touched the place where hot stones crashed into water. The site is a fulacht fia in County Mayo, recorded in an open archaeological register and set in mixed reclaimed and boggy pasture beside a north-flowing stream. Its burned stones, charcoal and possible hearth mark repeated human heat work, while the living area keeps the older ritual of water, fire and patience.
In mixed reclaimed and boggy pasture, located on the E bank of a N-flowing stream. There is a coniferous forestry plantation to SW. A layer (L c. 6m; D 0.3-0.4m) of heat-shattered sandstone fragments in charcoal-rich soil is visible in the E bank of the stream. It underlies a layer (D. 0.2m) of sod and overlies a layer (0.5m) of grey sandy sub-soil. Mid-way along the section face, a concentration (1m N-S; D 0.2m) of charcoal fragments is visible filling a saucer-shaped indentation in the burnt stone layer; this may be a hearth. There is no trace of a mound at ground surface. Another burnt mound (MA038-199----) lies immediately to S, on the W side of the stream. There is a rath (MA038-105----) 150m to E. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 21 August 2019

This remains an important historical record, but the official description says the monument is no longer visible or has been destroyed. The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.

What survives
No visible remains or recorded as destroyed

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